Don’t Extinguish Migrants’ Hopes, Pope Says on World Day of Peace

Pope Francis greets faithful dressed as the "Wise Men" as he leads a mass to mark the World Day of Peace in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican January 1, 2018. REUTERS/Max Rossi

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VATICAN CITY (Reuters)

Pope Francis describedmigrants and refugees as the world’s “weakest and most needy” on Monday, using his traditional New Year’s address to “give voice” to people he has urged leaders to do more to help

Francis reminded some 40,000 people who gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican that he had chosen the plight of migrants and refugees as the theme for the Roman Catholic Church’s World Day of Peace, which is celebrated every January 1.

Pope Francis leads a mass to mark the World Day of Peace in Saint Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican January 1, 2018. REUTERS/Max Rossi

“For this peace, to which everyone has a right, many of them are willing to risk their lives in a journey which is often long and dangerous, they are willing to face strain and suffering.”

“Please, let us not extinguish the hope in their hearts, let us not suffocate their hopes for peace!”

Pope Francis arrives to lead a mass to mark the World Day of Peace in Saint Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican January 1, 2018. REUTERS/Max Rossi

Across the world, the mass movement of people has shot to the top of the political agenda, and Francis has made defending those who migrate a central theme of his papacy.

During a trip to Myanmar and Bangladesh last year, he metMuslim refugees and called for decisive measures to solve the political problems that caused many to flee.

Pope Francis kisses the statue of baby Jesus as he arrives to lead a mass to mark the World Day of Peace in Saint Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican January 1, 2018. REUTERS/Max Rossi

He has also criticised President Donald Trump‘s stated intention to build a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico to keep out illegal immigrants.

In a homily earlier on Monday, Francis said everyone should look after their soul by taking a moment of silence every day, “to keep our freedom from being corroded by the banality of consumerism, the blare of commercials, the stream of empty words and the overpowering waves of empty chatter and loud shouting”.

In a message released in November ahead of the World Day of Peace, Francis said politicians who stoke fear of migrants were sowingviolence and racism. He acknowledged that the presence of immigrants can compound existing problems in a country, but appealed for practical ways to be found to welcome newcomers.

Pope Francis leads a mass to mark the World Day of Peace in Saint Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican January 1, 2018. REUTERS/Max Rossi

On Monday, he said: “It is important that there is a commitment from everyone, from civil institutions, and those in education, welfare and church organisations, to ensure a peaceful future for refugees, migrants, everyone.”

(Reporting by Isla Binnie; editing by Jason Neely)

Pope Francis arrives to lead a mass to mark the World Day of Peace in Saint Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican January 1, 2018. REUTERS/Max Rossi

Pope Francis leads a mass to mark the World Day of Peace in Saint Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican January 1, 2018. REUTERS/Max Rossi